Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Indian Saree Shopping

The Saree brings to mind visions of yards and yards of sensuous material draped in alluring styles to complement the Indian woman. This unstitched garment is folded, tied and pleated in a graceful and elegant manner that makes the Indian saree a timeless garment - one that is worn by women of all ages and sizes. The Indian subcontinent offers a cornucopia of sarees, be it the elegant chiffon sarees or delicately embroidered sarees. No bridal trousseau is complete without the vibrant silk sarees. Rich Kanchipuram Sarees, the rich traditional south Indian silk sarees in vibrant colors are the chosen favorite with many brides. The Benaras silk saree is yet another popular choice for weddings. Every region has it own special weaving and design techniques that result in a collection that can leave saree shoppers confused and mesmerized. Online saree stores offer you a wide range of sarees, from the comfortable cotton sarees to print silks and georgette saris to rich Benaras silks and colorful bandhanis.

Indian SareeThe word saree is said to have its origin in the Sanskrit word Chira that means cloth. The Indian saree has stood the test of time. It is still a preferred garment for most women in India, though other Indian garments such as salwars and churidhars and western wear are popular too. The saree is draped in different variations, in keeping with the region. From the nine-yard saree worn in the days of yore to the present day 6-yard saree, the saree can be worn in flattering styles to adorn a woman's body. Sarees come plain or with printed floral designs or geometric prints. The pallu is that part of the saree that comes over the shoulder. The saree blouse has also underdone a metamorphosis. It has become a fashion statement in its own right. Elaborate embroidery, flattering sleeves and necklines can be selected.

Wedding SareeThe bridal saree is bought with a lot of care. Wedding sarees can range from a few thousand rupees to even a few hundred thousand rupees. Silk sarees are the preferred choice of most Indian brides. Smooth and sensuous, the silk saree is the quintessential wedding saree that is found in rich colors that are a feast for the eyes. Rich Mysore silk sarees or pure Kanjivaram sarees can be selected in a variety of color combinations and prints. The intricate zari work on the borders and pallu set them apart. Mysore silk sarees tend to have minimal zari work and work well for other formal gatherings. Bridal sarees from Rajasthan encompass elaborate embroidered sarees in vibrant shades. Designs can be ethnic or modern.

South Indian Saree / Kanchipuram SareeThe south Indian Kanchipuram saree has its origin in the town of Kanchipuram near Chennai, which continues to be home to hundreds of weaving centers that specialize in silk sarees that are characteristic to the region. Created in a wide array of colors that contrast well with their gold thread borders, these South Indian sarees can be worn at weddings, parties and social gatherings. Traditional motifs like peacocks, swans, mangoes and leaves continue to be popular. New patterns such as reproductions of paintings and other artistic creations on the elaborate pallus are also seen.

Benaras Silk SareeThe Benaras silk saree is popular for its rich and intricate weave and zari work. The pallus of these sarees tend to be ornate and densely woven with gold thread. Banaras silk sarees are a popular choice for wedding sarees. The glitter of gold jewelry stands out well against the rich hues of the Benaras silks.

Online Saree ShoppingBuying sarees is no mean job - you need to sieve through different types, depending on your needs and budget. Georgette, chiffon and crepe sarees are more flattering to the figure and make a heavier woman appear slimmer. Short women must avoid buying sarees with big borders. Crisp cotton sarees come in a variety of prints that look elegant on slimmer women. Crepe sarees are judged by their sheer lightness whereas silks are gauged on their weight. Printed silk sarees with traditional floral and paisley prints work well for the office as well as formal gatherings. Tanchoi sarees and rich Jamdanis are formal wear sarees that can be picked up from online saree boutiques. You can get the sarees with matching blouses stitched to your requirements. Dhakai sarees from Bengal hold pride of place in weddings. The Tangail saree is yet another Bengal creation that has a pattern running through every alternate weft thread. Ikkat prints are also another form of the tie and dye method. These sarees are available in silk and cotton. Chanderi sarees can be selected from online saree stores. You can pick them in cotton or silk. The plain ones have stripes and floral patterns. The silk chanderi sarees have an understated elegance, with fine zari and thread work running through them.

Bandhani SareeVibrant colors, unique tie and dye designs and rich embellishment - such is the stuff that bandhani sarees are made of! Simple bandhani sarees in cottons are ideal for the Indian summers. Drape a silk or chiffon bandhani saree set off with mirrors or sequins or zari and you can be the cynosure of all eyes at any party or wedding. Bandhani and bandhej sarees are typical of the Rajasthan and Gujarat areas.

Embroidery SareeIndian embroidery comes in different styles and designs. You can opt for heavily ornate zardosi embroidered sarees or the zari embroidery done in different parts of the country. Embroidered sarees are sometimes set off with brocade, mirror work and cut work in patterns so exquisite and detailed that they are a masterpiece in themselves. Delicately embroidered pastel chiffons are ideal in a bridal wardrobe. Different types of stitches are used while embroidering sarees. You can pick up intricately embroidered sarees, depicting episodes from legends, birds and animals. Kantha embroidery of Bengal is done on cotton sarees as well as tussar silk sarees.

Cotton SareeCotton sarees are made in different regions of India. You can pick up a Venkatgiri saree or Pochampalli saree or even a Maheshwari saree. Crisp Bengal cottons are a must-have in any woman's wardrobe. The cool and elegant Kota of Rajasthan or the Cotton prints of South India are also popular. The earthy shades of Sambalpur cottons have their simple charm. The Tangail and Shantiniketan sarees of Bengal are yet another example of the fine weaving history of the country. Kalamkari sarees in cotton also find many takers.

Designer SareeFor those seeking unique sarees, either in print or style, designer sarees can be considered. You can choose one of a kind embroidery work or prints that can make you stand apart from the crowd, albeit at a price. Designers have also come up with modern versions of the saree, in a pre-stitched version or with blouses that range from the flirty to the downright sexy. Sheer georgette sarees or chiffon sarees are flattering to the figure. Teemed up with a well-stitched blouse, a chiffon saree can be worn to a party. The range of colors and designs is wide.

The saree continues to evolve with the times. Each saree is a magical merging of art and aesthetics. Different materials and designs are experimented with. The Indian woman continues to be held in its alluring sway. It is a seductive garment that maintains its timeless elegance, in spite of stiff competition from other garments.